Fated and Claimed by Four Alphas-Chapter 178: He Knows

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~Spring's POV~

That scent was rare, almost mythic. It wasn't just a hunter's mark; it was a sign of an heir—one of the last remaining from the bloodlines that once threatened entire supernatural courts.

I wasn't sure what troubled me more: that a hunter like him had been after me… or that his existence meant the old war between our kind and theirs wasn't as over as everyone thought.

And if that was true…

I glanced down the hallway where Spring had disappeared minutes ago, her head held high like a queen who refused to bow.

…then she might already be caught in the crossfire.

And I wasn't about to let that happen.

I exhaled hard, closing my eyes. When I reopened them, I glanced at the glass to my right. The red was gone, replaced with my usual blue.

"Whoever you are…" My reflection stared back at me. "…be careful. Because when I find you, I will end you."

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~Spring's POV~

I was still unhappy with what Yvonne had done, and I blamed myself even more for getting involved in that way.

After the trip, I kept to myself, avoiding all the students, including friends and foes alike.

By the time we arrived at camp after our meal and tour, all I wanted to do was relax, nothing more and definitely no mates around.

Most students went to explore on their own since Professor Mira excused herself just after an hour of our return to camp.

Without being told and judging from how she was dressed, I could tell or sense she was going out on a date with someone.

Wild guess, the young Managing Director.

I recalled the eyes he gave her after my episode with the broken glass and before we got on the bus.

Professor Mira was all smiles while they spoke, occasionally brushing her hair behind her ear.

I smiled when I spotted her sneaking away from camp and turned around to get into my tent when, suddenly, someone's shadow blocked my view.

Raising my head, I saw Tyrion staring down at me.

My heart skipped a little since I wasn't expecting him to be there.

Tyrion stood there, broad-shouldered and unbothered, as though he'd been waiting for me to notice him.

His hands were buried in his pockets, his dark hair slightly damp, as if he'd just come from a swim. His sharp, silver eyes, however, were fixed on me, making the fine hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.

"Tyrion," I greeted carefully, adjusting the strap of my bag on my shoulder. "You're blocking my tent."

He tilted his head slightly, lips twitching with something between amusement and annoyance. "You've been avoiding me."

I stiffened, unwilling to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. "I've been avoiding everyone."

"That doesn't make it better," he countered smoothly, leaning just a little closer. "You think you can vanish and pretend nothing happened? That Yvonne's little stunt didn't matter?"

I clenched my jaw. "I don't want to talk about Yvonne. Or her games. Or… any of this."

He chuckled. "And yet, here you are, glaring at me like I'm the enemy."

I took a step back, instinctively needing space, but his hand shot out, palm bracing against the tent pole behind me, caging me in without actually touching me.

I held my breath.

"You've been quieter since the trip," he observed softly as his voice dipped low. "Keeping your head down. Pretending none of us exist. But you can't hide from this, Spring."

I hated the way his words slipped under my skin, hated how my pulse picked up when his gaze dropped to my lips for a fraction of a second before returning to my eyes.

"What do you want, Tyrion?" I asked, clearing my throat.

He leaned in closer, so close that I could feel his breath against my ear when he whispered, "To know why you smell like sin."

I froze, heart pounding. "What?"

His lips curved into the faintest, coldest smile as he drew back just enough to meet my gaze. "Don't play dumb with me, Spring. I could smell your scent seconds before you arrived at camp yesterday."

"I…" I had no idea what to say to escape this.

"I'm not mad," Tyrion voiced. "I'm just…" He glanced around before focusing his gaze on me. "You said you love me, Spring."

Tyrion reached for my hand and intertwined our fingers.

As they tightened around mine, his silver eyes glinted in the fading light. "I love you, too, Spring. And I'd love a date with you tomorrow when we return."

My lips parted, my heart skipping at his words. But I shook my head softly.

I was no longer as bold as the girl during the bike race. I was now more cautious.

"Tyrion… I'm truly grateful for how you helped me with Rael. But I won't be chanced for a date tomorrow. The stress of travelling back will be too much."

He chuckled in a teasing manner, like he knew what game I was playing. "We're werewolves, Spring. A little travel won't kill us."

"It's not the same," I argued quietly, shaking my head. "I don't agree."

His amusement faded into something sharper, his gaze pinning me in place. "Then answer me honestly. Do you truly love me?"

Tyrion's words became heavy. I hesitated before catching my breath. Slowly, almost against my will, I gave a small nod.

But Tyrion caught the flicker of uncertainty in my eyes. His lips curved knowingly. "You're not sure."

My teeth sank into my lower lip, betraying me before I gave another hesitant nod.

"I just… seeing as we've only just started getting to know each other, I shouldn't lead anyone on with those words. I like you, Tyrion. A lot. But I want the chance to explore more… slowly."

His thumb brushed across my knuckles, deliberately. "Then let this be that chance. After our dates, Spring, I hope we'll continue being close. I don't just want to be one of your mates standing in the background. I want to build something real with you. A love that lasts."

My chest ached at the sincerity in his tone.

Before I could reply, footsteps crunched softly behind us. I glanced up, and there stood Storm looking as calm as ever, but his presence was an entire storm system rolling in on silent feet.

"Storm," I whispered.

He greeted Tyrion first with a handshake. Storm's voice was even, but there was respect in it. "Thank you for aiding me on the bus. Against Rael."

Tyrion shrugged like it was nothing. "It's no biggie. I just want all her mates to spend time with her, protect her, and be there for her."

Storm studied him a moment, then sighed and nodded. His eyes softened as he turned to me. "Don't shoo him away, Spring. He's still one of your lovely mates."

I exhaled, rolling my eyes but smiling faintly. "I'm not shooing him away. Fine. We'll have our date tomorrow evening."

Tyrion's entire face lit up, his joy radiating so brightly it made my heart skip again. Without warning, he closed the gap between us, scooped me into his arms, and spun me around.

"Tyrion!" I yelped, as laughter spilt out of me despite myself. "Put me down!"

He chuckled like a wolf who'd just caught his prey, spinning me once more before finally lowering me gently to the ground.

The world steadied, but my pulse didn't. I sneaked a glance at Storm, searching his face for a trace of jealousy.

But his expression was unreadable, calm as a frozen lake. He simply gave me the faintest smile.

Tyrion's grin was still wide when he finally set me back on my feet. His silver gaze lingered on me, searching, memorising. Then he nodded once, almost to himself.

Tyrion's voice broke through. "Now… enough small talk. I'll leave you two alone for your date."

"Thanks, man," Storm appreciated.

He gave a silent nod before turning to me. "I'll hold you to that date, love."

With a last squeeze of my hand, he stepped back, glancing briefly at Storm. "She's all yours—for now."

Storm inclined his head in acknowledgement, and without further word, Tyrion turned and strode off toward camp, shoulders loose as he hummed a soothing tune.

The air felt heavier once he was gone.

Storm's presence filled the space in that commanding way that pressed against my chest.

"You let him spin you around like that," Storm murmured finally.

I crossed my arms, trying to ignore the warmth still lingering from Tyrion's touch. "I didn't exactly get a say."

His gaze flicked to me, sharp but softened at the edges. "You could've stopped him if you wanted to."

I swallowed, unsure what to say to that.

Storm took a step closer, allowing his shadow to brush mine. "Spring." My name on his tongue sounded like a vow. "Don't lose yourself trying to manage all of us. You don't have to please everyone. You just have to be… you."

The words hit harder than I expected, slipping under my defences.

I tried to look away, but his hand lifted, fingers brushing my chin, gently guiding my eyes back to his.

"You're stronger than you think," he whispered. "But you're also mine. Don't forget that."

"Selfish," I muttered, and looked away, hoping he wouldn't get to hear that but he did.

"That's because I love you, Spring and I want you to be my girlfriend."

My breath caught, heat curling low in my stomach at the claim in his tone.